A Tail of Two Seasons

Your Dog's Guide to Spring and Summer Safety

Woof there! Boomer here, your resident Pawsies expert on all things seasonal. My hoomans have asked me to share some important tips about keeping your furry friends safe and happy as the weather warms up. (They think I don't pay attention during their conversations with the vet, but my ears work perfectly fine, thank you very much!)

Spring Has Sprung - And So Have The Allergies!

Just like hoomans, us dogs can get a bit sneezy and itchy when spring arrives. If you notice your best friend scratching more than usual or rubbing their face against the furniture (and not just for attention), it might be worth a chat with your vet. Trust me, I've done the whole itchy-scratchy dance, and it's no fun!

Garden Dangers (Or Why I Can't Eat Everything I Find)

My hoomans have taught me that some pretty flowers can make us dogs feel rather poorly. Tulips, daffodils, and lilies might look lovely, but they're strictly off the menu! Also, those blue pellets that hoomans put down for slugs? Absolute no-no. I know they look like treats, but they're definitely not!

The Summer Survival Guide

When it gets properly warm (which my hooman calls a "heatwave" but I call "endless panting season"), there are some important things to remember:

• Hot pavements are not our friends! If your hooman can't keep their hand on the ground for 5 seconds, our paws definitely shouldn't be there either.
• Water bowls should be everywhere - inside, outside, upside down... okay, maybe not that last one. But you get the idea!
• Never, ever leave us in cars. Not even with the windows down a bit. It turns into a furry oven in there!

Beach Day Safety (Or How Not To Become A Sandy Mess)

Since some of my Pawsies pals love a good beach day, here's what I've learned:

• Salt water might taste interesting, but drinking it gives us a poorly tummy
• Sand may look tasty, but it's not a snack (learned this one the hard way...)
• Always have fresh water available
• Find a shady spot for cool-down time

The BBQ Code

Summer means BBQs, and BBQs mean food dropping from the sky! But remember:

• No chicken bones - they can splinter
• Corn cobs are not toys
• Those delicious-smelling onions and garlic are actually bad for us
• Puppy eyes work best from a safe distance from the grill

Exercise in the Heat

My hoomans have become experts at timing our walks. Early mornings and evenings are best when the heat of the day has reduced. They say something about "mad dogs and Englishmen in the midday sun" - not sure what that means, but I know walkies are more fun when I'm not panting like a steam train! One of our favourite walks involves the cooling woods.

Final Woofs of Wisdom

Remember, every dog is different! Some of us have thick fur coats (lucky us), while others are more streamlined. Some love splashing in pools, others prefer the sprinkler. The key is knowing what makes your particular pooch comfortable.
Stay safe and cool, my furry friends!

Tail wags and cool breezes,

Boomer

• Head of Hounds at Pawsies
• Certified Summer Safety Expert
• Professional Paddling Pool Tester

P.S. To all hoomans reading this - yes, we still need walkies in summer, just maybe not the marathon kind!

P.P.S. If anyone has figured out why ice cream has to be "dog friendly" when regular ice cream looks perfectly friendly to me, please let me know!